World champions West Indies cantered to an eight-wicket win in the first of two Twenty20 internationals to be contested with Zimbabwe in Antigua.

After restricting the Zimbabweans to just 130-8 bowling first, West Indies eased past their target with 23 balls remaining thanks to an unbeaten half-century from Lendl Simmons (63 not out).

Simmons sealed victory in style at the start of the 17th over by launching Kyle Jarvis (0-39) for a towering six back down the ground, his sixth of a very entertaining 49-ball knock.

Malcolm Waller had earlier fallen one run short of a maiden half-century as Zimbabwe posted a modest total after winning the toss.

Waller and Craig Ervine put on 60 for the fourth wicket, a new Zimbabwean T20 record, after pace bowler Tino Best (3-18) had set the tone for West Indies by removing openers Vusi Sibanda and Hamilton Masakadza.

Windies top-order duo Johnson Charles and Simmons quickly set about chasing down the target, sharing a 30-run partnership inside four overs.

Charles blasted a breezy 26 off 14 balls before falling to Chris Mpofu (2-14), who then claimed the wicket of Darren Bravo.

But Simmons looked in great touch, crashing six sixes to take the game away from Zimbabwe, the last of which sealing a commanding win.